What
To Do When Grandma Wants To Be
Your College Roommate
Dear
Mr. Cohen,
I
just graduated from high school last month and will be attending
an out-of-state university in August. I live with my grandmother,
and she likes to do everything with me and go wherever I go.
I don't mind her company, but sometimes I feel like she will
never accept me as an adult, and I'm trying to establish my
independence. She said even plans to come with me to college.
Is their any way I can possibly tell her in a polite way to
accept me as an adult-in-training? Thank you.
G.S.
Dear
G.S.,
Before I forget, tell your grandma not to buy beer for any
minors in your residence hall; it might make her a popular
granny, but it will get her thrown out, and no grandma wants
that on her record.
Clearly, your grandma loves to be around you. And you love
her. It's a love fest. But, you need to be an adult. The kindest
thing you can do is help make the change easy (the older the
person, the harder it is to change). Tell her you love her,
remind her how she's helped you to become an adult and ask
for her help during this transition - but from home, not college.
Keep this in mind: You're the center of her world, and she
might not want to let go. If she doesn't want to let go, help
her find things she can do. Being honest is the most adult
and loving thing you can do. She might not love it, but it's
the best you can do.
